PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the hearing loss or a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a psychiatric examination. The appeal will be remanded to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now pending. The Board has determined that the Veteran is competent to handle his funds without limitation, and new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claims of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diagnosed as schizophrenia, was incurred during active duty service and is granted. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, effective September 12, 2011. TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, but not higher. His bilateral stress-induced vision loss is currently noncompensable.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 15, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD and alcohol dependence alone.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA PTSD examination. The Veteran is required to report for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The heart disability to include coronary artery disease, seizure disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder) are not service connected.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for a VA examination to assess her ability to maintain employment due to her service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be referred to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service, for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as irritability, difficulty sleeping, including due to nightmares and nighttime thrashing, anxiety at public speaking, causing panic attacks more than once a week, hypervigilance, angry outbursts, intrusive recollections, and markedly diminished interest or participation in significant events.,At no time during the appeal period has the Veteran demonstrated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent effective March 17, 2010. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The examiner must provide opinions regarding whether there are distinct periods with exacerbation or remission of symptoms, and whether PTSD precludes substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the extent and severity of his service-connected PTSD and whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to September 25, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD has rendered him unemployable prior to April 2, 2005.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and drug use. The Veteran's current mental health conditions are attributed to his active service but also related to other factors such as substance abuse and life stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 27, 2006. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete evidence regarding his ability to work and the severity of his service-connected conditions. A new examination is required for PTSD, and a medical opinion is needed on the combined effect of all disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD disability warranted a 100% evaluation as of November 20, 2006, based on the severity and impact on his employment.